Today, is the 16th annual Oregon Safety Break. Oregon OSHA coordinates this one-day event, designed to raise awareness and promote the value of workplace safety and health. Safety Break encourages employers to bolster workplace safety and health with training, award recognition gatherings, or other creative activities.

Here at OHSU, Environmental, Health & Safety is leading the way by creating Safety Break events at three different OHSU locations:

• Today, at the Robertson Collaborative Life Sciences Building
• Tuesday, May 14, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m, Biomedical Information Communication Center Gallery. (Look for representatives from OccHealthSci and the Oregon Healthy Workforce Center sharing resources and tips at this event on Marquam Hill.)
• Wednesday, May 22, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m., Oregon National Primate Research Center Malinow Meeting Hall

This week is also National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction. Join the Pacific Northwest OSHA Education Center for their Annual Stand Down Event at the Sheet Metal Institute in Portland. Registration is complimentary and available on a first come, first serve basis. Learn more.

Perhaps, during these reflections and events, particularly in light of recent workplace accidents in Oregon and Washington, we should remind ourselves that every day and each minute matters. It only takes a split second to be distracted, or to not follow important safety rules and practices, and cause an accident or injury. Every day, not just during safety break, we must remind ourselves, our teams, and our organizations, to create and sustain a safe and healthy workplace culture. We appreciate all of our stakeholders, co-workers, and collaborators who help us try to make every day safe.

Resources:

Toolbox Talks from Oregon FACE
Safety Toolbox Talks from OccHealthSci Resource Directory
Safety and Health Resources from Oregon OSHA